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Community leaders have said a perceived lack of facilities is ‘no excuse’ after ongoing trouble and youth anti-social behaviour in Bacup town centre.

There have been further incidents in the town involving young people since the Free Press highlighted the issue last week.

Police received a call on Monday, May 18 from a shop on Irwell Street reporting a group of youths throwing pop bottles at their windows, one hitting a staff member.

And shop staff on Irwell Street complained of a large group of youths verbally abusing and swearing at them on Thursday, May 21.

Bacup PCSO Chris Hamer said ringleaders had been identified and that it was hoped volunteer police special constables would patrol the area to reduce harm to the public and prevent young people obtaining criminal convictions.

He added the area had plenty of youth facilities but that existing ones were not treated with respect.

He said: “The bad behaviour of these youths is not the by-product of a lack of facilities but a combination of their upbringing, influences and personal choice.

“I grew up in the valley and there were absolutely no facilities where I lived but we made the most of living in a rural area.

“We would go on bike rides, play football in the park and build tree houses in the woods - some kids in inner city areas could only dream of having the freedom of the countryside for a playground.”

Irwell ward councillor Steve Hughes said: “I know PCSOs are out all the time chasing reports up and I would urge the police to tackle this behaviour head-on.

“Young people don’t want to be inside with the lighter evenings but there are parks, groups and school extra-curricular activities - they don’t need to stand on street corners making a nuisance of themselves, which could affect their job prospects.”

In incidents earlier this month a takeaway on St James Street was targeted by a group throwing eggs at the windows and ripping up plants.

Youths were blamed for throwing eggs at taxi company staff on Todmorden Road and on another occasion pressing a bus emergency engine cut-off button.

Dave Lawrie, former chairman of Bacup Traders’ Association, said: “Throwing eggs is better than bricks but police need to take rapid action to nip it in the bud.”

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